Changing Your Life For Your Cats

When bringing a cat into your household, expect a few things will change — both for your cat’s safety and for her pleasure. We’ve all heard the comments: “You shouldn’t have to change your lifestyle for a companion animal.” But how could that be? Bringing home a cat is not like adding a new throw pillow for the sofa. This is a living being with needs and desires; of course this requires change.

New cat people should prepare themselves for these changes and give serious thought to whether they are ready. Conveniences, or even luxuries, previously taken for granted can no longer be overlooked. People with their first cat will find themselves thinking about things differently than ever before. For example, kitchen counters are now dangerous ledges, tables are invitations to knock things over, and screen doors become climbing gyms.

Prepare In Advance

It’s been suggested that new cat people actually get down on the floor and look around the rooms of the home from a cat’s perspective for hidden dangers. A curious kitty will always be looking for something new to get into — it’s their job; it’s our job to help protect them.

Putting an extra sheet or blanket on your bed to keep the cat fur off your sheets

Litter boxes will need to be available and the litter will need to be scooped and dealt with several times a day. Once in a while the cats will need to go the veterinarian for a physical or shots, which should provide for a fun car ride full of high volume meowing in the most accusatory manner. You’ll also find yourself speaking in baby talk or sharing your innermost thoughts with your cat.

Life With Cats

Once a cat gets older or sick even further accommodations may need to be made. It’s not unusual to have to clean up after a sick cat who vomits or does his business outside the box. Getting a cat to take a pill (or even use an inhaler!) provides another new experience. Some people face even greater challenges with sick or disabled cats and gladly go the extra mile for their feline friend.

That said, most cat people would agree: after a while, you don’t even notice the changes. It’s just part of life and what you do for love.